Kudos to you sir. Your trophy is on its way. I'm sure your parents are proud and you have no problem impressing the women but youre missing the point. The captain did not feel safe flying the airplane without autopilot. We all know somebody who hand flew an airplane halfway around the world in IMC with no FD or AP but Part 121 pilots are not paid to take chances. The guy didnt feel safe and thats fine. It's called JUDGEMENT.